"Final Can Be Catalyst"

3 April 2013

Chairman says final experience will see young players grow

Crewe Alexandra chairman John Bowler is hoping that Sunday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final will again be another catalyst for moving the club further. The chairman says that last season’s impressive unbeaten run, culminating in the play-off victory over Cheltenham sent the club on an upward curve that carried on into League One.

Bowler says that recent success has resulted in more confidence and belief amongst Steve Davis’ young squad and that a win over Southend this Sunday would only improve this further.

“It is just great to be going to Wembley again. It is an exciting time for everyone, the players, the staff and the supporters‘, said the club chairman. “We had the pleasure of going there last May and it was a great occasion and it will be again on Sunday.

“When you have an occasion like this, it gives the club a real impetus. It is something that comes along every so often and gives everyone a great lift. It increases the interest and builds momentum.

“The young players who came through the play-off experience realised that they could do it. They proved that they could reach their potential and compete. It gave them a real belief that they could set out and achieve something. They gained a lot of experience and have taken that into League One.

“We have not been that far off in League One this season and everyone should be proud of what we have achieved under Steve. Reaching Wembley again is great for those fans, who have been behind us and supported us on this journey we are having.

“It gives everything a bounce and a kick and that’s the big thing that comes from it. The players can take the experience they are going to have and kick on again. Taking that experience of playing in a big game and with that ability they have will set them in good stead for the future.”